Ontario Expands PRESTO Credit Payment to More Local Transit Agencies

The Ontario government is making it easier to take transit in the 905 (Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area) by giving riders more ways to pay.

Starting January 23, riders on Durham Region Transit, York Regional Transit, Burlington Transit and Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) can tap credit cards to pay fares on a PRESTO device, including credit cards on a smartphone or a smartwatch.

“This latest milestone in the continuous advancement of the PRESTO system will provide users greater ease and convenience when travelling for work, school, leisure, and more,” said Stan Cho, Associate Minister of Transportation. “The expansion of credit card payment on PRESTO devices in Durham Region, York Region, Burlington, and Hamilton is just another way our government is simplifying the transit experience for Ontarians.”

The expansion of credit payment on PRESTO devices began in 2021 on the Union Pearson (UP) Express. In 2022, the option was extended to the entire GO Transit network and the Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville transit systems. As of January 11, 2023, there has been 518,475 boardings using credit cards on these transit systems.

“We are thrilled to see transit riders using new PRESTO payment options like contactless credit, making their transit experience even easier, more flexible and convenient,” said Barclay Hancock, Chief Payments Officer, Metrolinx. “Every day, more riders are tapping their credit cards on agencies where this is already available, and we are excited to be expanding this functionality to Durham, York, Burlington and Hamilton.”

The province is also working to expand the credit card payment system to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and to introduce debit tapping payment capability to all transit agencies in the GTHA.